Author: nathan.lankford

Lightning Bug Drop Vision Scraps

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When I think of bands that defined the sound of shoegaze, I almost always think of sheer noise and discomfort taking precedence over vocals…but that hasn’t been necessarily true as the genre’s grown. That said, I think of all the bands, Lightning Bug seem to have the perfect balance between vocals and noise. They open their latest single with these huge fuzzy riffs that crash upon the listeners ears, backed by a steady rhythm section driving the song forward. When the vocals come in, they have this clear pop sensibility that contrasts what’s going on behind; you can still hear the guitar screeching like a cat from just behind the voice. There’s a few minutes where it’s all stripped back to offer thoughtful respite, but mostly this song is all about perfect that balance between the two. You can find this tune on October Song, the new LP dropping September 6th via Marbled Arm Records.

Tim the Mute Shares New Tune

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It seems that every year, without fail, Tim the Mute offers up a new collection of songs, and it looks as if 2019 is to be no different. Quietly he’s upped a tune from the forthcoming Welcome to the Sad Cafe, with a nice little teaser tune to whet our appetites. I’m not sure how I would classify his songwriting, but over here I always tend to think of him as the more charming, energetic John Darnielle; he tends to offer lyrical content that’s relatable too, which, as a listener, I always appreciate more than anything. This new album will be out on August 31st via Kingfisher Bluez/Lost Sound Tapes.

Devendra Banhart Shares Memorial

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I honestly don’t know what it is about Devendra Banhart, but something about his songwriting always just feels like I’m at home. Maybe it’s the slight quiver just beneath his voice, or maybe its the sincerity that shines through his lyrics. On his newest single, it seems like Devendra is definitely getting personal, having penned a song in memory of three lost friends. It’s such a gentle number, with these beautiful arrangements behind Devendra’s voice and guitar; they add this textural depth that is often overlooked in his writing. His new album Ma is being released by Nonesuch on September 13th. It’ll be followed by a bunch of tour dates for the Fall, including a stop in Austin for Levitation.

Guaxe Announce Self-Titled Debut

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You’re probably wondering who Guaxe is at this point, and that’s fair, as it’s a new project from Dino of Boogarins and Pedro from Supercordas. One of the reasons I love Boogarins is their ability to experiment within the tightened constraints of modern psychedelia, and this new project seems to take those challenges head on. There are loops of guitars that seem warped on repeat, with this lightly galloping drum beat behind the wall…strangely the beat almost seems to get lost in the song, as the listener will, slowing down and catching back up. It’s this otherworldly pop music that seems fit for a science experiment, though it offers this glaring beauty; my favorite burst of pop comes in at the 1:14 mark and only lasts for five seconds, but lasts in my brain forever. Their self-titled album will be out on September 6th via OAR.

Spinning Coin Return with Visions at the Stars

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I remember back in 2017 listening to Permo, and just being blown away by the distinctive style of songwriting that Glasgow’s Spinning Coin brought to the table; it always seemed like every person in the band had a little say in what was going to come across, making for a diverse listen. But, they’ve been super quiet until today when they announce a brand new 7″ with this joyous new single. It opens with some interesting vocals, perhaps from Rachel, kind of like something Dirty Projectors would have spun. But, it’s a nice juxtaposition for the relaxed feel of the rest of the track; I think it also brings in this slight melody very carefully that cruises through the song’s entirety. The video footage seems to have been filmed by the band themselves, which in general, is a sign of a band out having a fun time. You can grab the new 7″ on August 30th via Domino!

Oh Rose Share Baby

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I will admit, that the “wah, wah” present from the beginning of this new Oh, Rose song might be off-putting to folks, but don’t give up, just give into the song. Singer Olivia Rose has this remarkable voice; it has this striking elegance that soars, yet is able to retreat to the faintest whisper. As you get through the song’s building emotion, the earlier “wah, wah” moments seem like a build up, and perhaps a thematic reference to the song’s title. That build up is unleashed just beyond the 2 minute mark, which is where I truly fell in love with the song before going back to and listen again and again. This tune appears on While My Father Sleeps, the new album out August 23rd via Park the Van.

Fern Murphy Share Dreamy Pop

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As soon as I pressed play on this new track from Fern Murphy, I was immediately drawn to its similarities to She Sir, a band I love so much I put out their record. You’ll be drifting backing that dream state as soon as you press play; it’s just the way the band have crafted this atmospheric vibe from within the confines of their darkened pop caverns. You can also hear, according to my wife, little bits of Wild Nothing hanging in the vocal delivery, soft and silky, perfectly working between the musical elements. This track is one of the standouts on the band’s newest Gringo Love EP, so feel free to go give it a listen.

Missed This Tyvek EP

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I mean, technically I didn’t miss it, as this new Tyvek EP isn’t being released until August 1st, but you can stream the whole damn thing below. You get two bopping ditties as well as two little instrumental jams with your purchase ofChanging Patterns of Protective Coating. “I’ve Not Thought Once” has this British pop rock feel, especially if you listen to the way those guitar chords line up to the likes of every band that played at Indietracks last week. “We’re Back,” the other tune with lyrics begins in much the same manner, though it ventures off into this skittering discord as the song draws out. Just a little something more of you should be listening to; it’s available this week via Doubles Tapes.

The Color Waves Share New Tunes

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The Color Waves first came into my musical orbit when they had a release back in 2015 with Cloudberry Records. Until then, they’ve been relatively quiet, though that all changed last week with the release of a two-song single. For my two cents, the band continue to operate on the more elegant side of indiepop; they work with slower tempos and build the songs beneath their melody; you could probably also call it shoegaze sans distortion. I love the vocal performance on “The Bay,” especially the way the lyrics almost dangle in the air, almost lost to the world as soon as they’re uttered. “Paper Tiger” offers up some subtle jangling chords, with just the slightest uptick in pace present here. Hopefully these two tracks signal more to come soon.

Robert Sotelo Announces Infinite Sprawling

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It’s always interesting to discover what musically captivates us, what draws us in. Sometimes, it’s a huge hook or some beat, or sometimes, its the absence of it all, as is the case in this new tune from Robert Sotelo. He crafts this sparse musical landscape, working with his guitar and voice to attract your ears…then he moves the song towards a touch more elegance, built by blossoming strings and aided by backing vocals. It feels so grand at times, and yet so simple…it’s hard for me to turn away from it. This track will appear on the new LP, Infinite Sprawling, out September 13th via Upset the Rhythm.

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